asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of applications to establish fish farms off the Irish coast now being considered by his Department (a) from Irish applicants and (b) from overseas applicants; and the number of licences which have been granted over the past five years to both categories.
Written Answers. - Fish Farms.
42.
The total number of applications to establish fish farms being considered by my Department currently amounts to 294. Virtually all of the applications received are from either Irish registered companies and societies or from persons resident in the State but it is not possible to say with certainty the nationality of all those involved. The total number of licences including oyster orders which have issued over the past five years is 17, all of which were issued to Irish nationals or Irish registered companies.